4 Signs That Termites Have Infested Your Home

Termites have been nicknamed the “silent destroyer” because they often do a lot of structural damage before anyone knows they are there. All homes and buildings are at risk for termite infestation regardless of construction type. For this reason, it’s important to know the warning signs of a termite infestation, so you can act quickly to eradicate them before the damage is too great.

• Mud Tubes– Subterranean termites build their homes underground and tunnel up to your house to get at their food source. “Mud tubes” on the outside of your home are evidence of their colonies. The little mud tunnels are about the size of a pencil and are brown, dry, and cylindrical.
• Discarded Wings– Piles of wings are a sign that termites have entered their next phase of development. They have sprouted wings and are looking for new places to colonize. They shed their wings soon after taking flight, and you’ll often find them in your window sills or surfaces around your home’s foundation.  The wings resemble fish scales.
• Swarmers– “Swarmers” are matured termites looking for a new place to live. They resemble a flying ant and are often attracted to a light source. As their name implies, you’ll likely see a group of them swarming together.
• Wood Damage– This includes sagging floors, walls, and ceilings. Sometimes the damage can be mistaken as water damage. The wood can also appear crushed, especially at structural bearing points. Termite-damaged wood makes a hollow sound when tapped by a hammer, and if you open up the surface of the wood, you’ll see tunnels running along the wood grain.

If you notice any signs of termites in your home, call us at Total Pest Solutions, and we’ll get started on treating your property right away.